Columbus defender Sebastian Miranda battles for the ball with Omar Cummings last season.

Before the Rapids open their MLS season Saturday at DSG Park in Commerce City, we take a look at their opening opponent — the Columbus Crew.

Columbus Dispatch MLS reporter Adam Jardy helped The Terrace and Rapids fans this week scout the Crew heading into the season. In turn, check out dispatch.com on Friday for the Terrace’s scouting report on the Rapids.

What are the expectations for Columbus this year?

Jardy: After three straight first-round playoff exits, the Crew faithful are hoping for a more sustained playoff run. Although the team has been among the league’s most successful during the regular season in the past five years, the Crew has the 2008 MLS Cup and no other playoff wins to show for it. One year after purging the roster of most of the key parts of that 2008 team, the Crew seems to have identified a core group of young players it hopes can turn the team into a title contender.